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See Magical Cherry Blossoms at Night! Top 12 Light-up Events in 2024
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Cherry blossoms look amazing during the day, but you can also experience stunning views of cherry blossoms lit up at night! We introduce 12 beautiful nighttime cherry blossom light-ups in Japan, from Tokyo to Kyoto, Fukuoka, Niigata, and Hirosaki.
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Viewing Cherry Blossoms at Night
Hirosaki Castle Parl Cherry Blossom Light-up. Photo by Pixta
Cherry blossoms are the iconic symbol of spring in Japan. While it is customary to view them during the day, the sight of cherry blossoms at night is extraordinary. Major cherry blossom viewing spots are usually lit up at night, revealing a magical side of the scenery to visitors.
We've selected the top 12 locations in Japan for enjoying cherry blossoms at night.
Nighttime Cherry Blossom Light-ups in 2024
1. Maizuru Park in Fukuoka
2. Mifuneyama Rakuen in Saga
3. Meguro River in Tokyo
4. Mori Garden in Roppongi, Tokyo
5. Ueno Park in Tokyo
6. Sankeien Garden in Yokohama
7. Kawazu in Shizuoka
8. Maruyama Park in Kyoto
9. Koriyama Castle in Nara
10. Utsubuki Park in Tottori
11. Hirosaki Castle Park in Aomori
12. Takada Park in Niigata
1. Maizuru Park and the Fukuoka Castle Ruins
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Maizuru Park, home to the Fukuoka Castle Ruins, is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in Fukuoka. From late March to early April, there is a festival that celebrates the beauty of the cherry blossoms gracing the area around the castle’s stone walls: Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival (Japanese).
During this festival, you can enjoy the cherry blossom light-up from 18:00 until 22:00 in the evenings along with festival stalls, events, and the lively atmosphere.
The cherry blossom light-up takes place at three venues: around the main castle tower, the Tamon Defense Tower, and the Otaka Residence. Please note that an admission fee is required to access these locations.
Fukuoka Castle Cherry Blossom Festival
Dates: late March - early April
Light-up hours: 18:00 - 22:00
Light-up admission fee: one venue 600 yen, all three venues 1,500 yen
Access: 10 minutes by foot from Akasaka Station, Ohorikoen Station of Fukuoka City Subway
Official website: http://saku-hana.jp/ (Japanese)
2. Mifuneyama Rakuen in Saga
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Mifuneyama Rakuen is a well-known destination for enjoying cherry blossoms in Saga Prefecture. There are around 2,000 sakura trees blooming within a traditional Japanese garden. In addition to the iconic cherry blossoms, there are also 20,000 rhododendrons blooming, with spectacular and colorful views that will make you wonder if you’re admiring a painting.
The illumination event lasts from March 15 to April 7. The breathtaking views here have earned it the title of Kyushu’s greatest cherry blossom night-viewing event.
Mifuneyama Rakuen Cherry Blossom Festival
Dates: March 15 - April 7
Light-up hours: 18:30 - 22:00
Admission fees: adults 600 yen, elementary school students and younger 250 yen.
Access: 5 minutes by taxi from Takeo-onsen Station of JR Sasebo Line. About 1,000 yen.
Official website: https://www.mifuneyamarakuen.jp/en/
3. Meguro River in Tokyo
Picture courtesy of Pixta
One of the most celebrated and visited cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo is Meguro River. Each year during the cherry blossom season, countless people gather to celebrate this lively event.
You can, of course, enjoy illuminations as well. This area has many chic stores and restaurants, too, where you can treat yourself to a meal or some shopping while admiring the cherry blossoms at night.
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4. Mori Garden in Roppongi, Tokyo
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Mori Garden is a Japanese garden located inside the grounds of Roppongi Hills, a complex with a shopping area, restaurants, museums, and an observatory.
In spring, this area becomes very popular due to its Sakurazaka Hill lined with about 75 cherry trees and the Sakurazaka Park (Roborobo-En), where children can play amid cherry blossoms.
At night, the cherry blossoms are lit up, earning this spot the reputation as an "urban oasis."
Mori Garden Cherry Blossom Light-up
Dates: late March to mid-April
Access: directly connected with the 1C exit of Roppongi Station of Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line; 5 minutes by foot from the 3rd exit of Roppongi Station of Toei Subway Oedo Line.
Website: http://www.roppongihills.com/en/green/
5. Ueno Park, Tokyo
Picture courtesy of Pixta
The night view of the cherry blossoms in Ueno Park is, along with Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture, and Takada Park in Niigata Prefecture, known as one of the Top 3 Night Views of Cherry Blossoms in Japan.
During the cherry blossom season, as many as 1,000 paper lanterns decorate the park, lighting up the blossoms beautifully.
Ueno Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Dates: March 15 - April 6, 2024
Access: 2 minutes by foot from Ueno Station of the JR lines, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, and Hibiya Line; 5 minutes by foot from Ueno-Okachimachi Station of Toei Subway Oedo Line; 1 minute by foot from Keisei-Ueno Station of Keisei Line.
Official website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index038.html (automatically-translated English page available)
Read also
6. Sankeien Garden in Yokohama
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Sankeien is a Japanese garden in Yokohama. From early March until mid-April, about 250 cherry trees of nine different varieties bloom in the garden.
Several buildings of great historic value are found all over the garden and were transported here from Kyoto and Kamakura. The buildings with beautiful cherry blossoms create a unique and harmonious scene.
During the cherry season, the garden closes later than usual, at 21:00, and hosts a special cherry blossom viewing event. The cherry blossom trees and the buildings are lit up, providing an astonishing view for the visitors, much different than the one that can be seen during the day.
Sankeien Garden Cherry Blossoms
Dates: early March until mid-April
Access: Take the city bus no. 8 or no. 148 from the eastern exit 2nd bus terminal of Yokohama Station, for about 40 minutes; get off at Sankeien-iriguchi bus stop (220 yen); walk for 5 minutes.
Website: Sankeien Cherry Blossom Information 2024
7. Kawazu Zakura in Shizuoka
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Kawazu Station in Shizuoka is well-known in Japan for its lovely cherry blossoms. It is a popular destination for short trips from Tokyo since it takes no more than two to two and a half hours to reach it. Kawazu also has hot springs.
During the annual Kawazu Sakura Festival held from early February to early March, visitors can relax at ashiyu (foot bath) for free at three different locations.
Be sure not to miss the illumination event! You’ll be stunned by the amazing view of sakura trees along the river, lit up in beautiful colors.
Kawazu Sakura Cherry Blossom Festival
Dates: February 1 - 29
Light-ups hours: 18:00 - 21:00
Website: http://www.kawazuzakura.net/ (automatically-translated English page available)
Read also
8. Maruyama Park in Kyoto
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Maruyama Park is the oldest garden in Kyoto, having opened in 1886.
There are approximately 800 cherry trees blossoming in spring in this park. The most popular, however, is the Gion Shidarezakura, a weeping cherry tree that gets lit up at night. This park is very popular with its stunning night scenery of the illuminated cherry trees.
Maruyama Park
Cherry blossom light-up dates: late March - early April
Website: https://kyoto-maruyama-park.jp/ (Japanese)
9. Koriyama Castle in Nara
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Yamatokoriyama Castle (Koriyama Castle), constructed in 1580, is a renowned cherry blossom viewing spot in Yamatokoriyama City, a castle town in northern Nara Prefecture.
Its iconic cherry blossom tree, or gotenzakura, has been popular for more than 400 years. Every year, from late March to early April, the Yamatokoriyama Castle Festival is held. Both the cherry trees and the castle are lit up, creating a harmonious beauty.
Koriyama Castle
Access: about 10 minutes by foot from Kintetsu-Koriyama Station of Kintetsu Kashihara Line
Website: https://www.city.yamatokoriyama.lg.jp/soshiki/chiikishinkoka/kanko/2/1630.html
10. Utsubuki Park in Tottori
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Utsubuki Park, situated at the foot of Mt. Utsubuki, is a symbolic park in Kurayoshi, Tottori, amazes visitors who come from all over the country with a variety of cherry trees flowering in spring.
During the Kurayoshi Spring Festival starting in late March, 500 lovely paper lanterns of all sizes are illuminated, transforming the park into a magical scene with beautiful cherry blossoms.
Utsubuki Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Dates: late March - Early April
Light-up hours: 18:00 - 22:00
Access: Ride the city bus from Kurayoshi Station via Shiyakosho (City Hall) for about 15 minutes (230 yen); then get off at Shiyakusho-Utsubukikoen-mae bus stop.
Website:: Kurayoshi Cherry Blossoms
11. Hirosaki Castle Park in Aomori
Picture courtesy of Pixta
The gorgeous cherry blossoms of Hirosaki Park are said to create one of the three most beautiful night scenes of cherry blossoms in Japan. The view of illuminated cherry trees is especially stunning during the Hirosaki Sakura Festival, held annually for the past 100 years.
Hirosaki’s cherry blossoms each bud into not just one, but several beautiful blossoms.
Hirosaki Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Dates: April 19 - May 5, 2024
Website: https://sakura.hirosakipark.jp/en
12. Takada Park in Niigata
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Takada Park’s cherry blossoms are known as the third best night cherry blossom view in Japan. At night Takada Castle and around 4,000 cherry trees are lit up with paper lanterns. The flowers reflecting on the water around the castle are a spectacular, must-see sight.
Takada Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Dates: March 29 - April 14, 2024
Light-up hours: sundown - 21:00
Admission: free
Access:
- 15-minute walk from Takada Station (Echigo Tokimeki Railway Myoko Haneuma Line)
- 15 minutes by car from Hokuriku Expressway "Joetsu IC"
- 10 minutes by car from Joshinetsu Expressway "Joetsu Takada IC"
Website: https://niigata-kankou.or.jp/event/2332
(Japanese)
Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms at Night
Cherry blossoms are a fleeting yet breathtaking gift of nature. Seize the opportunity to witness their beauty both during the day and at night. To fully embrace this uniquely Japanese experience in spring, we recommend planning your viewing locations ahead of time to ensure you make the most of this enchanting season.
Written by
The MATCHA editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.
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